Gay Volleyball Coach Jake Barreau Embraces Alabama Move While Staying True To Himself
Jake Barreau, a seasoned college volleyball coach and advocate, is taking his talents to the University of Alabama. Known for his strong recruitment skills and unwavering authenticity, Barreau is stepping into a new chapter as an assistant coach for Alabama’s women’s volleyball team.
His journey, filled with personal growth and advocacy, has inspired countless others to embrace who they are unapologetically.
The news was first reported by Outsports which has been following Barreau’s story since 2019 when he shared his coming out journey.
“We’re Just Kids Fallin’ in Love”
Barreau’s coaching career began at the University of Wisconsin when he was just 20. A volleyball player himself, Barreau came out as gay to his family during his freshman year but kept it private from his teams for several years. Today, he’s been married for seven years to fellow volleyball enthusiast and coach Hunter Bishop. Together, the couple embodies the kind of visibility that can encourage others in conservative spaces to feel seen.
Barreau shared a glimpse of their love story on Instagram, captioning a wedding anniversary post: “Just kids fallin’ in love. Love ya, bud!” Now, Jake, Hunter, their four dogs, and one cat are packing their bags for Tuscaloosa to begin their next adventure.
From Wisconsin to Tuscaloosa: A Coach’s Impressive Career
Barreau’s résumé is as impressive as it is wide-ranging. Before joining Alabama, he spent three successful years as a recruiter at Michigan State and served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Illinois State, where his team competed in four NCAA tournaments. He’s also made an impact at the University of Oklahoma and Missouri State, leaving a legacy of mentorship and leadership.
It was during his time at Oklahoma that Barreau first opened up to Outsports about his coming out journey. He described the surprising support he found in Missouri and Oklahoma, places often associated with conservative politics. Barreau recalled his team’s involvement in helping create a video for his marriage proposal to Hunter, a poignant example of acceptance in unexpected corners of the country.
“There is prejudice and inequality everywhere,” Barreau wrote in 2019. “However, there are also accepting, loving people in every corner.”
Barreau describes his new role as an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “The power and tradition of the Alabama brand speaks for itself, and it’s clear this is a place at the forefront of the changing landscape of college athletics,” he shared in a university news release. He cited Alabama head coach Rashinda Reed and the leadership team as major factors in his decision, adding that he’s excited to help recruit players and families to the program.
But Barreau isn’t just bringing his coaching skills to Tuscaloosa. He’s also bringing his advocacy. While moving from liberal Michigan to conservative Alabama might intimidate some, Barreau is unfazed.
“Nothing changes on our end,” he told Outsports. “We are open and proud and will always find our community. We already have.” Barreau even noted that he and Hunter had meaningful conversations about inclusion with Alabama’s athletic director, Greg Byrne highlighting the university’s openness to their presence.
